Senegal vs Gambia Prediction: Holders set for winning start

Holders Senegal begin their Africa Cup of Nations defence on Monday when they take on Gambia in Yamoussoukro.

The Lions of Teranga claimed their maiden continental title in 2022 courtesy of a penalty shootout win over Egypt, going one better than the previous tournament in 2019 when they lost the final to Algeria. 

Opponents Gambia reached the quarter-finals at that tournament as debutants and will be looking to cause a shock in the pair's first meeting since 2015.

However, with a talented, albeit unpredictable, Cameroon side and an intriguing Guinea team also in Group C, Senegal will aim to use what looks to be their easiest fixture to establish themselves as the team to beat in the pool.

Match Odds

Senegal are as short as 1/4 to win this match in Yamoussoukro, with the draw at 10/3 - while Gambia can be backed at 11/1.

Two of the pair's last three meetings have seen both teams score, available at 2/1, while after missing out on the World Cup in Qatar through injury, Sadio Mane will be desperate to make an impact and is 7/5 as an anytime goalscorer.

Team News

Senegal boss Aliou Cisse has a hugely talented squad at his disposal, with Mane headlining a star-studded group. Former Chelsea players Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly, current

Blues forward Nicolas Jackson, Nottingham Forest's Tottenham's Pape Matar Sarr and Nottingham's Moussa Niakhate are among the familiar names expected to start on Monday.

Gambia have been in the headlines after their original flight to Ivory Coast was forced to turn back due to a lack of oxygen in the aircraft, but, fortunately, the situation did not lead to any health or fitness issues for coach Tom Saintfiet or his players.

The Scorpions' attack is set to be led by Newcastle's teenage forward Yankuba Minteh, who has looked sharp on loan at Feyenoord this season.

Senegal to win & under 2.5 goals @ 6/4

Only three countries have ever successfully defended the AFCON title but the talent running through the Senegal squad suggests they have every chance of becoming nation number four.

Cisse has worked hard to instil a winning mentality since being appointed in 2015, transforming the Lions of Teranga from underachievers to African champions, and will expect his side to go close to retaining that status in the Ivory Coast.

With the temperature set to be between 34 and 36 degrees centigrade at kick-off, controlling the game will be crucial and the Premier League trio of Sarr, Idrissa Gana Gueye and Cheikhou Kouyate will be charged with keeping things ticking over in midfield.

The experience behind them suggests a clean sheet is there for the taking but despite the attacking talent they will be looking to supply, the conditions and the fact that it is each team's first match of the tournament, means this is likely to be a tense affair.

Senegal should have enough, but considering the situation, under 2.5 goals appeals.